The Federal Reserve Bank of New York works to promote sound and well-functioning financial systems and markets through its provision of industry and payment services, advancement of infrastructure reform in key markets and training and educational support to international institutions.

The Outreach and Education function engages, empowers and educates the Second District communities that the Bank serves, especially civic leaders, students, educators, small business owners, policymakers and the general public. It furthers the Bank's commitment to the region by listening to the communities we serve and leveraging our unique attributes to positively impact school and university programs, as well as analysis and research.

To All Depository Institutions and Others Concerned in the Second Federal Reserve District:

In a press release, the Federal Reserve Board announced the availability of an online guide for U.S. and foreign banking organizations submitting applications to the Federal Reserve. The new Application Filing Information web page is located on the Board's public web site at www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/applications/afi/.

The new web page provides general guidance with respect to regulatory requirements and processing procedures for applications, notifications and requests necessary for a broad range of activities, including mergers of banking organizations.

The page describes specific types of applications as well as the statutory factors considered by the Federal Reserve in evaluating applications, including the banking organization's record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. It provides links to application forms and lists contacts at each Reserve Bank for questions regarding the submission of applications or the submission of public comments on applications

Questions on this matter may be directed at this Bank to Jay B. Bernstein,Bank Supervision Officer, Bank Applications and Analysis.